Cambodia and China reiterated their commitment to speed up the construction of the Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville super highway and the building of a new airport in Siem Reap, according to the government’s Press and Quick Reaction Unit yesterday.

The unit said in a statement that Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong and Yang Jiechi, Chinese State Councilor, met on Thursday at the 4th Intergovernmental Coordinating Meeting on China-Cambodia cooperation at the Peace Palace.

“Both Cambodia and China agreed to strengthen cooperation in all fields including trade, investment, agriculture, tourism and security,” read the statement.
 

“Of particular importance was the commitment to accelerate the construction of the superhighway from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville’s seaport and the building of another airport in Siem Reap to cater to about two million Chinese tourists expected to visit the country by 2020,” it added.
 

The unit, quoting Mr Namhong said, “Yang Jiechi’s visit is important. Through this meeting we hope relations and cooperation between Cambodia and China would deepen and strengthen.”
 

“There is a comprehensive, strategic partnership between Cambodia and China,” added Mr Namhong.
 

The unit also quoted Mr Jiechi as saying, “China continues to support Cambodia’s development and its stability for the improvement of its economy.”
 

Kalyan Mey, advisor to the Supreme National Economic Center said, “It is time to improve the infrastructure to overcome traffic congestion. We need better highways to link Phnom Penh with other provinces.”
 

“When we have the expressway between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, it will attract investment. It is easy to transport goods and have overland trade with neighboring countries,” Mr. Kalyan said.
 

Ministry of Public Works and Transport last year signed a $2 billion agreement with China to build and repair roads and bridges.

Source From: Khmer Times